Senior Trade Execution & Vessel Operations Specialist

Established Search; Miami (FL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A global trading platform in Miami seeks a Senior Trade Execution & Vessel Operations Specialist. In this pivotal role, you will manage bulk grain and veg oil shipments, overseeing both vessel operations and trade documentation. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in global commodity trade execution and strong communication skills in English and Spanish. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to shape a next-generation trading organization.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in bulk vessel shipment execution, preferably in grains, oilseeds, or veg oils.
• Solid exposure to tanker operations (veg oils or liquid bulk).
• Proven ability to manage chartered vessels, import/export flows, and trade documentation.
• Deep familiarity with GAFTA, NAEGA, FOSFA, NOPA, and Incoterms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full operational lifecycle of chartered bulk and tanker vessels.
• Manage import/export documentation, Letters of Credit, and compliance with industry standards.
• Coordinate closely with chartering, trading, and logistics teams to ensure on-time delivery.
• Communicate with shipowners, agents, and port operators globally.
• Prepare and issue all shipment documentation accurately.

Skills

Agile operations management

Global commodity trade execution

Vessel logistics

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving

Fluency in English and Spanish

Job description

Senior Trade Execution & Vessel Operations Specialist

Type: Full-time | Hybrid

About the Opportunity - A fast-growing global trading platform is seeking a seasoned operator-executor hybrid — someone equally at home managing vessel logistics as they are navigating the fine print of trade contracts. You’ll be joining a lean but ambitious team building a business capable of competing with the industry’s most established players. If you thrive where operations meet commercial strategy, this role is for you!

What You’ll Do

As the Senior Trade Execution & Vessel Operations Specialist, you’ll be responsible for end-to-end commercial execution of bulk grain and veg oil shipments, managing both vessel operations and trade documentation from contract to delivery.

• Oversee the full operational lifecycle of chartered bulk and tanker vessels (from nomination to final discharge).
• Manage import/export documentation, Letters of Credit, and compliance with GAFTA, NAEGA, NOPA, FOSFA and Incoterms.
• Coordinate closely with chartering, trading, and logistics teams to ensure on-time and on-spec delivery.
• Lead communication with shipowners, agents, surveyors, and port operators globally.
• Prepare, issue, and reconcile all shipment documentation — including BLs, phytosanitary, COO, COA, and certificates of quality.
• Manage laytime, demurrage, and despatch calculations, ensuring financial accuracy and minimising exposure.
• Monitor vessel performance, optimise voyage planning, and troubleshoot issues in real time.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to refine processes as the business scales, embedding operational discipline and efficiency.
• Contribute to the company’s growth strategy in vegetable oils, including expanding tanker shipment operations.

Who You Are?

You are an agile, hands-on operator who understands the complexities of global commodity trade execution and vessel logistics. You’ve probably worked for one of the majors — or with them — and are ready to take ownership in a more entrepreneurial environment.

You bring:

• 7+ years of experience in bulk vessel shipment execution, preferably in grains, oilseeds, or veg oils.
• Solid exposure to tanker operations (veg oils or liquid bulk).
• Proven ability to manage chartered vessels, import/export flows, and trade documentation.
• Deep familiarity with GAFTA, NAEGA, FOSFA, NOPA, and Incoterms (or the ability to ramp up fast).
• Strong understanding of letters of credit, demurrage claims, and commercial finance flows.
• Excellent communication skills across multicultural teams and time zones.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (Portuguese a plus).
• A bias for action, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Why This Role Is Different?

• You’ll help shape a next-generation trading organisation — agile, ethical, and global from the start.
• You’ll work across both trade execution and vessel operations, gaining exposure to the full commercial chain.
• You’ll join at a pivotal time, when each operational improvement has a direct impact on business growth.
• The role offers strong visibility, autonomy, and potential for regional leadership as the platform continues to expand.

This is a world-class position!

We’d love to hear from you.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development, Management, and Strategy/Planning

Industries

• Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• International Trade and Development